What Is a Credit Card Issue Number & Do I Have One?
Confused about your credit card's issue number? Understand its meaning, typical location, and why it appears on some cards, not all.
Credit cards contain various identifiers, each serving a specific purpose in facilitating secure transactions. These details, whether embossed or printed, are designed to authenticate the card and cardholder during purchases. Understanding the different numbers on a credit card can help consumers feel more secure and confident when using them for daily transactions or online shopping.
What the Issue Number Is
A credit card issue number is a unique identifier found on some credit and debit cards, indicating a specific version or reissuance of a card issued to an account holder. This number is distinct from the primary account number (PAN), which identifies the account, or the Card Verification Value (CVV), a security code. Issue numbers are usually one or two digits long. For example, a newly issued card might have an issue number of “1,” with subsequent reissued cards for the same account potentially bearing “2,” “3,” and so on. Its primary role is to differentiate between an original card and its replacements, particularly if the account number remains static.
Finding the Issue Number
To locate an issue number, examine your credit or debit card for a small, one or two-digit number. It is often found near the main account number, the expiration date, or close to the cardholder’s name. It might be labeled “Issue No.,” “Issue Date,” or “ISSUE.” Not all cards display an issue number, as their inclusion depends on the card issuer and region of issuance. If present, it serves as an additional data point for card identification, distinct from the expiration date, though it may appear in proximity to it.
How the Issue Number is Used
The issue number is primarily used in specific online transactions, especially with merchants or payment gateways requiring additional card verification. It helps confirm a card’s validity, particularly for reissued cards, enhancing security. Some regional payment systems may also request this number during transactions. It adds to a transaction’s security profile, working with other security features like the CVV code to protect against fraud. While not universally required, its presence can assist in authenticating the card and cardholder in certain scenarios.
Where Issue Numbers Are Common
Credit card issue numbers are not universally present on all cards and their prevalence varies by geographical region. They are much more commonly found on cards issued in certain areas, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland. In contrast, cards issued in other major markets, including the United States or Canada, rarely feature an issue number. Therefore, if a cardholder in the United States does not find an issue number on their card, it is likely due to their card’s origin region and is not a cause for concern regarding their card’s validity or functionality. Many modern card systems do not utilize this field, making its absence normal for many consumers.